Last few weeks there has been a scare that people are getting laid off and industry will hit a low again ......... out of all the companies, I read only Mohandas Pai from Infosys deny any such fact ........and actually if you look at history of every year you will find that during this time of the year there are many layoff's every year.Last year also all the Indian big names had a good lay off due to false certificates / bills / etc

Does this show a trend by any chance ?

Yes, the markets are definitely slowing down.We all know that out project inflows are not steady and strong across the industry. Rupee appreciation is going up .......companies relying on US as main ROI will definitely take some impact.

but my thoughts for food .........this is also appraisal time ........generally people are not satisfied with the appraisal results.....its not the companies to blame but the managers ......I have personally seen how managers can reduce company policies to just exist on paper and take things up on personal whim and fancy .............. and how do they know to politically use it to perfection ........ :)yes, that is an angular truth that lies here ...... hold down the attrition percentage ......If an engineer who is thinking to quit n move on but is unsure of the industry trend, might just lie low and stay on and resultant looses one precious year of his career ......